Here is what some of the Tar Heels had to say after Sunday’s victory.
Sean May
On allowing some easy baskets
It was just miscommunication. We were trying to run a set defense that a couple of times Rashad, I didn’t know Rashad was on my right, so I came out and he was already out there and by the time I looked back they were going to the hoop. It was just miscommunication with a young team. We’re going to have that and we talked about it we know why it happened.
On handling things when the lead began to slip away
I knew they made their run and we have a lot of guys who can put the ball in the bucket and we had to just bounce back and respond and I think we did that. It was good for us to deal with that kind of situation.
On allowing 24 offensive rebounds
They are a good team and have good athletes and they have heart - they have heart. They came at us and really fought hard, especially on the boards. They were pushing and were real physical in there. We were a little out of rhythm for a while, but I think we responded well.
On UNC’s defense other than allowing some inside baskets (backdoors)
I though we did a good job, being active, and they didn’t seem to get many good shots. We were active, very active, and were trying different sets. I think we aren’t far form being a good defensive team.
Rashad McCants
On the poor second half
I really can’t say. We just turned the ball over, bad decisions. We just gotta be patient and execute better.
On having confidence
I have always been confident in game and really anything I do. I don’t ever do anything unless I think I will be successful.
On saying about the fans “Look, everybody starting to leave” to his teammates coming out of a time out in the last minute while on the floor.
Coach Doherty always says its good to come into an opponent’s building and take it to them and see their fans leave unhappy
On being charged up on the road
I love to get charged up. Definitely. It’s fun playing on the road.
Jawad Williams
On UNC’s success during its 25-7 run in the first half
Shot selection. We took good shots. We were patient and we didn’t rush anything.
On his play in the first half, in which he scored 14 points and had three assists.
It was just one of the (times) where I had to do what I had to do. As far as the time, we weren’t scoring. And passing the ball, I’m taller than most people, so I can dribble around and keep my eyes up and still hit the open man.
Will Johnson
On the maturity and basketball IQ of the freshman
I saw them play a couple of times before they came here and they played with us and I could tell they were ready to play at this level. I think their talent level makes them feel more confident at this level. There isn’t as much of a transition for them as for most freshmen. And I don’t think they are too overwhelmed by the situation because we are so young.
Senior writer Andrew Jones is in his seventh year with Inside Carolina. He hosts a late afternoon radio show on ESPN Radio, WMFD AM630 in Wilmington and can be reached via e-mail at: AndrewJones@AM630.net.